A quiet evening in the rural Victorian town of Porepunkah was shattered by a sequence of devastating events, culminating in a fatal police shooting and the discovery of two elderly homicide victims.
The incident began to unfold on Tuesday night when Victoria Police officers were called to a property on Great Alpine Road following reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, they encountered a man, since identified as 35-year-old Dezi Freeman from nearby Bright.
A fatal confrontation ensued, resulting in police discharging their firearms. Mr. Freeman was struck and, despite the efforts of attending paramedics, was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooting is now subject to a mandatory investigation by the Homicide Squad, which will be overseen by the Professional Standards Command.
A Chilling Discovery
In a grim turn of events, the police operation revealed a far more sinister crime. While securing the property, officers discovered the bodies of an elderly man and woman inside the home. Police are treating both deaths as a homicide investigation.
While formal identification is yet to be completed, the victims are believed to be the long-term residents of the property. The local community, described as close-knit and peaceful, has been left reeling from the tragedy.
Community in Mourning
Porepunkah, a small town nestled in Victoria's Alpine region with a population of just over 1,000, is known for its tranquil setting and tight community spirit. Neighbours and locals have expressed profound shock, describing the alleged male victim as a "beautiful old man" and the couple as lovely people.
The area, typically a haven for tourists seeking access to the Mount Buffalo National Park, is now the centre of a major police investigation. A significant police presence remains at the cordoned-off property as forensic officers continue their meticulous examination of the scene.
As investigations into both the police shooting and the double homicide continue, the community of Porepunkah is left to grapple with an immense and heartbreaking loss.
